How old was Jesus when He went to the Cross?

By Ellis Skolfield

Most theologians teach that Jesus was 33 when he went to the cross, and most of us believe it, but what do we know from the Bible?

1. Qurinius was pro-Counsel in Syria when Jesus was born. (Luke 2:2)
2. A census sent Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. (Luke 2:3)
3. Herod ordered babies killed two years old and under. (Mat 2:16)

What We Know from Recorded History:

1. Herod died in June of 4 B.C.
2. Quirinius was pro-council in Syria, 7-8 B.C. Stone inscription indicates Quirinius was twice in Syria.
3. The Romans took a census every 14 years.
4. Archaeological support for the Roman census of 6A.D., however, all authorities agree, 6 A.D. is too late for birth of Jesus.
5. Archaeological support for the Roman census of 8 B.C.
6. No archaeological support for a Roman census in between those two dates.

Biblical Forties, Why so Many?

1. Rained 40 days and 40 nights during the flood, Gen 7:4
2. Noah remained in the ark 40 days after dry land appears, Gen 8:6
3. Moses was in the wilderness 40 years, Act 7:30
4. Moses was on the Mountain 40 days, Exo 24:18, Deu 9:18
5. Malefactors were scourged with 40 stripes, Deu 25:3
6. Israelites were fed manna in the wilderness 40 years, Exo 16:35
7. Tabernacle had 40 silver sockets, Exo 26:19
8. There were 40 year periods of peace, Judges 3:11, 5:31, 8:28
9. Eli (a high priest) judged Israel 40 years, 1Sam 4:18
10. Elijah was on the mountain 40 days, 1Ki 19:8
11. David ruled Israel 40 years, 1Ki 2:11
12. Solomon ruled Israel 40 years, 1Ki 11:42
13. Temple nave 40 cubits, 1Ki 7:35
14. Jesus was in the wilderness 40 days, Mat 4:2
15. Jesus appeared to the disciples for 40 days, Act 1:3

Two Reasons This is Important:

1. Knowing the correct length of Jesus’ earthly life is key to understanding two prophecies in Ezekiel.
2. Proves a traditional view long taught in the Church to be incorrect, making other traditions suspect.

Incidentally, according to Jewish tradition, a man had to be 40 years old to become a ruling member in the Sanhedrin. Until Jesus was 40, He was thought to be just another rebel in Israel. But when Jesus entered Jerusalem that final time, He was greeted by the people as a king. If He was 40, He could have seized control and the Pharisees knew it. That’s why they said such things as . . .

John 11:48 “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

At 40, Rabbi Jesus could have become their ruler, so the Pharisees believed they had to kill Him to stay in power.